Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Kevin Eastman recently posted a comment on Heavy Metal explaining that a live-action film of TMNT is in works over at Warner Brothers and Imagi. Here's what Kevin had to say, "Yes, it is true. Although the CGI film did well enough to warrent a sequel, there has been much talk between Imagi and Warners to do a better "re-invention" of the TMNT's, in a live action film--like what was done with Batman." It seems everybody wants to cash-in on what Nolan and WB did with the Batman franchise. Although it is a different genre, let us not forget what has happened with re-boots like The Omen and Halloween.

Eastman explained that the idea with the re-invention was get back to the origin of the characters, "Back to basics, back to the origin and the intro of the Shredder, etc...there have been talks, trips to Northampton to talk to Mr. Laird, and discussions with the original "first" TMNT film director Steve Barron to come back and do it right--but no official word yet...will keep you posted. Best, Kevin" Wow, they have even talked to Barron about returning! The original was a personal favorite of mine for a long time, but Steve Barron has been stuck in TV land and biggest claims to fame are some of his video directing efforts including Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" and A-Ha's "Take On Me." Why drudge this guy back up? Surely there are better or more current directors that could helm the project?

What are your thoughts on a re-boot of a live-action TMNT? I am hip to the idea, just not so sure if Barron is the guy to helm a re-boot some 18 years later!